Smiths Detection Builds First X-ray Systems at New Malaysian Facility

Smiths Detection Builds First X-ray Systems at New Malaysian Facility
Business Wire
SINGAPORE -- September 26, 2012
Smiths Detection has opened a major new manufacturing plant for X-ray baggage
scanners, in Malaysia. Establishing this facility will help to expand sales of
its advanced screening systems in the fast-growing markets of south-east Asia,
notably for aviation security.
Pilot production at the 130,000 square foot site in the Malaysian city of
Johor Bahru has started and most of the space is expected to be occupied
within 18 months as the workforce gradually increases to around 170.
Mal Maginnis, President of Smiths Detection, said: “The Asian aviation market
is forecast to grow strongly for the foreseeable future, complemented by good
growth in our other market sectors. The Johor plant represents a major step
towards aligning our manufacturing footprint to our worldwide business
requirements.
“As a truly global player, Smiths Detection has three regional hubs for X-ray
production in Wiesbaden, Germany, Maryland, USA and now Malaysia, to help us
maximise the benefits from improved distribution, logistics, speed-to-market,
and customer service. Quality levels have been standardised across all three
locations to maintain our leading reputation in this critical product area”
The Johor facility, about seven miles from Singapore, will gradually increase
production rates as the Wiesbaden facility focuses more on production for
European and regional customers and, most importantly, on the research &
development, engineering, and product development functions, in its critical
role as the company’s global centre of excellence for X-ray technology.
Manufacturing at Johor will initially focus on systems to screen hand baggage
and parcels, followed by larger versions that screen pallets and freight in
around six months. The advanced aTiX automatic explosives detector will be
manufactured at the new site from late 2013.
Singapore has been the regional headquarters for Smiths Detection for more
than 10 years, with an office at Shaw Tower, Beach Road.
ENDS
Smiths Detection offers advanced security solutions in civil and military
markets worldwide, developing and manufacturing government-regulated
technology products that help detect and identify explosives, chemical and
biological agents, radiological and nuclear threats, weapons, narcotics and
contraband. It is part of Smiths Group, a global leader in applying
integrated, advanced technologies to markets in threat and contraband
detection, energy, medical devices, communications and engineered components.
Smiths Group employs around 23,000 people in more than 50 countries.
Contact:
London: Colin McSeveny
Head of Group Media Relations
Tel +44 (0)20 7808 5534
colin.mcseveny@smiths.com
or
Singapore: Gary Gan
Director of Communications & Marketing, Asia Pacific
Tel: +65 63901171 or +65 82287267
gary.gan@smithsdetection.com